Gordon College is one of the nation’s premier Christian colleges and located just north of Boston. We offer students extraordinary access to leading-edge opportunities for intellectual, professional, and leadership development to address the increasingly complex challenges of a global society. Gordon stands apart from other outstanding institutions in New England by combining an exceptional education with an informed Christian faith.

Biology Major (B.S.)

The biology major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree is a holistic and flexible option for students interested in medical, veterinary, and dental schools, graduate school, or jobs in a variety of disciplines, including biotechnology, environmental science and sustainability, marine science, zoology, botany, and human biology. The Bachelor of Science degree is the standard option for biology students and requires 39 credits: 21 credits of specified courses, one 4 credit upper level plant course elective or ecology course elective, and 14 credits of biology electives (22 credits without Physics), and 6-8 support courses. Majors normally take an introductory core of six courses in the sequence listed below, plus a senior seminar.

Electives

An additional 14 credits in biology must be taken to complete a concentration below.

Biology Concentrations

Professional Concentration (B.S.)

The Professional Concentration provides flexibility in course selection for students with a holistic interest in biology. The B.S. in biology is particularly appropriate for students wishing to enter graduate school, whereas the B.A. in biology is best for students with a double major outside of the natural sciences. A total of 14 credits of biology electives required (22 credits without Physics).

Health Professions Concentration (B.S.)

Biology is a popular choice of major for many students entering medicine or other health professions. Biology provides a breadth of experiences related to living organisms, including humans, which provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing medical-related fields. The B.A. in biology may be appropriate for those pursuing prenursing and physician’s assistant programs, while the B.S. in biology may be more appropriate for the premedical, preveterinary, predental and prephysical therapy tracks.

Students interested in a career in the health professions fields should declare a health professions concentration and track. The specific requirements for different health professions tracks are listed under the Health Professions Program section of this catalog. Contact Dr. Craig Story, Director of Health Professions, for additional information.

Health Professions Tracks

Courses for these concentrations are listed as tracks under the Health Professions Program: